On August 9, 1935, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, and Rosalind Russell appeared as guest stars on Hollywood Hotel, a CBS radio program hosted by Louella Parsons and Dick Powell. They performed selected scenes from their new film, China Seas. Funnily enough, this episode of Hollywood Hotel was sponsored by Campbell’s Soup Co.
The broadcast was to promote the highly anticipated New York premiere of China Seas the same day. China Seas went into general release a week later, on August 16.
Theater herald for CHINA SEAS which premiered at the Capitol Theater. From New York’s Daily News, August 9.
Following a few rehearsals, Harlow and Gable reported to CBS studios on Vine Street for the broadcast. This is the broadcast’s location in Harlow in Hollywood; a few period articles also point to the venue being the Figueroa Playhouse, which was home to CBS Radio broadcasts from 1932-1938. I haven’t had luck finding a CBS branch on Vine that was open in 1935, but I’m going with what’s in the biography. If anyone can enlighten me, please let me know!
Also featured on the program were Hollywood Hotel’s own Frances Langford, Ann Jamison, and Igor Gorin, who sang and made up some of the supporting cast. Co-host Dick Powell crooned the title track. Raymond Paige and Orchestra were also there, who Jean met with on a 1933 KHJ broadcast.
The San Francisco Examiner, August 9, 1935
There’s quite a few candids of this group during the broadcast, though not everyone is in every picture and spots are frequently switched. Here’s one with most of the cast:
What makes these photos comical is Clark Gable had come right from the set of Mutiny on the Bounty, hence his uncomfortable look and seafaring attire.
Some more candids:
And last, but certainly not least, only because I haven’t identified the older man in the middle; he’s not any of the names I’ve mentioned. Pictured with Gable, Russell, and Harlow.
Sadly, this broadcast isn’t publicly available to listen to like some of Jean’s other appearances, such as Madame Sans-Gêne in 1936. If you haven’t listened, it’s a wonderful performance and a great insight to Jean’s sparse radio career. I hope that makes up for not being able to share the China Seas broadcast! Hope you enjoyed the read.
Harlow Heaven 
There wasn’t a CBS radio studio on Vine but CBS Columbia square is nearby. This was where the first I love Lucy episode was taped. While I worked in the TV newsroom I kept passing a stage with old wood floors to get into the video room. The drapes had 5 inches of dust. Later I saw some old photos of guests waiting outside in order to watch a radio show. If you go on line you can see Bob Hope’s radio show being recorded there. I’m not certain but I believe Lucy’s show My favorite husband was recorded there.
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